Re: RC: Hit me with your best shot

[Truman Prevatt <tprevatt@mindspring.com>]

Below is the an excerpt from the introductory material that SERA uses
describing endurance riding.

See what you think and feel free to use some of it of you want"

"What is Endurance Riding?

Endurance riding, very simply is marathoning for horses.  Like the human
version, the sport has many levels of appeal.  For some, it is a highly
competitive and challenging athletic endeavor.  For others it is a
recreational activity combining a camping trip with a trail ride.  For
yet others it involves a search to experience our American heritage, to
discover the country as out forefathers once did – from the back of a
horse.  Because endurance riders recognize the prime importance of
finishing the event on a sound and healthy horse, the motto of the
American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) is “To finish is to win.”

How The Competitions Work

Endurance rides are run over pre-marked, pre-measured trails.  There are
no contrived obstacles, although competitors are expected to negotiate
whatever terrain the course involves.  Awards are based on the fastest
riding times in different divisions, but many people compete to finish
within the maximum time allowed (twelve hours for a fifty mile ride and
twenty four hours for a on hundred miles).  There are designed checks
along the way where the horses must stop and be examined by
veterinarians.  In the course of a fifty mile ride there are usually
three or four vet checks (including the post ride check), with twice
that number being common for a hundred miler.  At the checks, the horse
is not allowed to continue unless the veterinarians determine that the
horse can continue safely, based on examination of specific metabolic
and mechanical factors.  Some typical parameters are that the pulse must
drop to a rate of 64 beats per minute or below, the body temperature
must be no higher than 103 degrees and the horse must not be lame.
Following the exam is a mandatory rest period to allow the horse and
rider time to eat and drink, rest, adjust tack, etc.   The length of the
rest period varies with the distance covered, weather, terrain and other
factors, but is usually between thirty and forty-five minutes.  At the
conclusion of the ride, a horse must pass a final exam similar to those
at the vet checks (the rider is allowed up to one hour to cool the horse
and present for this exam).  At this point the horse will be
disqualified if he does not pass inspection.  The first ten horses to
finish are judged for the Best Condition award, an honor designed to
reward superior care during the competition.

In addition to the open fifty miles and up, there are limited distance
rides of twenty five to thirty five miles designed for beginning horses
and riders, or those who simply choose not to do the higher mileage.
The rules are somewhat different for this division, and are designed to
safeguard even further the welfare of the horses.  "

Truman




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